Splice chip device

ABSTRACT

A splice tray arrangement including a tray and a splice chip. The splice chip includes a plurality of arms that define channels for holding splice elements. The arms include retaining structure for retaining a splice element in both of either one of an upper region and a lower region of a channel. The splice tray arrangement also includes a mounting arrangement for securing the splice chip to the tray at a mounting location. The mounting arrangement includes sliding interlock guides disposed on each of the splice chip and the tray. The mounting arrangement further includes flexible tabs arranged to prevent lateral movement of the splice chip when positioned at the mounting location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/891,403, filed Aug. 10, 2007; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,463,810 which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/212,492, filed Aug. 25,2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,291; which applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to devices used in thetelecommunications industry. More particularly, this disclosure relatesto a splice tray having a splice chip for holding fiber optic spliceelements.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of telecommunication applications utilize fiber opticcables, and in turn involve fiber optic cable splicing and fiber opticcable storage. In these applications, a splice tray is often used tostore spliced fiber optic cables. The splice trays commonly include asplice chip for holding or retaining the splice elements of the cables.

In general, improvement has been sought with respect to conventionalsplice tray arrangements, generally to better accommodate ease of use,to improve reliability of construction, and to increase the density ofsplice elements that can be stored and managed by the splice trayarrangement.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a splice chip having aplurality of arms that define channels for holding splice elements. Thearms are constructed to retain a splice element in both of either one ofa first region and a second region of a channel. Another aspect of thepresent disclosure relates to a splice tray arrangement having amounting arrangement for securing a splice chip to a tray at a mountinglocation. The mounting arrangement includes sliding interlock guidesdisposed on each of the splice chip and the tray. The mountingarrangement further includes flexible tabs arranged to prevent lateralmovement of the splice chip when positioned at the mounting location.

A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing variousaspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive ofthe claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a splice trayarrangement, including one embodiment of a splice chip, according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the splice chip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an opposite side perspective view of the splice chip of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is side elevation view of the splice chip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the splice tray arrangement of FIG. 1,showing placement of the splice chip;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a splice trayarrangement, including another embodiment of a splice chip, according tothe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the splice chip of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an opposite side perspective view of the splice chip of FIG.7;

FIG. 9 is side elevation view of the splice chip of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the splice chip of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various features of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1 and 6 illustrate embodiments of splice tray arrangements 10, 110having features that are examples of how inventive aspects in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure may be practiced. One ofthe preferred features relates to increasing the density or capacity ofthe splice tray arrangement while maintaining effective cablemanagement.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the splice tray arrangement10 is illustrated. The splice tray arrangement 10 is used to housespliced fiber optic cables 12. In splicing fiber optic cables, two fiberoptic cables are joined or spliced together by a splice element 14. Theillustrated splice element 14 is a cylindrical, stranded heat shrinksplice element used to join single-fiber cables. In accordance with theprinciples disclosed, the splice tray arrangement can be constructed andsized for use with other types of splice elements, such as mass fusionsplice elements, for example.

The splice tray arrangement 10 of the present disclosure generallyincludes a base or tray 16 and a splice chip 18 for holding or retainingthe splice elements 14. Often, in use, a generous portion of slack cableis provided to permit maintenance or replacement of the splice elements14 without requiring cable replacement. The slack cable is stored in astorage region 20 within the tray 16. Cable management components 22,such as tabs, are located within the storage region 20 for retaining andmanaging the slack cable.

I. Tray

Referring still to FIG. 1, the tray 16 of the splice tray arrangement 10includes a generally planar bottom surface 24. Tray sides extend upwardfrom or perpendicular to the bottom surface 24. In the illustratedembodiment, the tray sides include two opposing tray sides 26 and a trayside 28 transverse to the two opposing tray sides 26. The transversetray side 28 is centrally located at a first end 30 of the tray 16.First and second cable access openings 32, 34 are located at oppositecorners of the first end 30 of the tray 16 adjacent to the transversetray side 28. The first and second cable access openings 32, 34 eachfunction as a cable entry and/or a cable exit. A second end 36 of thetray 16 is an open end. The second open end 36 also functions as a cableentry and/or a cable exit of the splice tray arrangement 10.

In use, the fiber optic cables 12 can enter and exit through any of thefirst open end 36, the first cable access opening 32, and the secondcable access opening 34 of the tray 16. To manage the organization ofcables entering and exiting the tray 16, the cables can be fixed at aparticular entering and exiting location on the tray 16. In particular,apertures 48 are provided adjacent to the first open end 36 and thefirst and second cable access openings 32, 34 of the tray 16. A tie 58or other securing device placed through the aperture(s) 48 can be usedto tie or secure the cable 12 at the particular entering and exitinglocation.

The cable management components 22 (e.g. tabs) of the splice trayarrangement 10 are formed along each of the sides 26, 28 of the tray 16.The tabs 22 retain cables within an interior 42 of the tray 16. In theillustrated embodiment, slots 43 are formed in the bottom surface 24 ofthe tray 16 opposite each of the tabs 22 for manufacturing purposes.

The splice tray arrangement 10 can further include a cover (not shown).The tray 16 includes cover attachment structure 38 constructed toreceive mating structure of the cover for securing the cover to thetray. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover attachment structure 38includes openings 40 formed in at least one of the opposing sides 26 ofthe tray 16. In an alternative embodiment, the cover attachmentstructure 38 can be formed in the transverse side 28 of the splice tray16.

The tray 16 of the splice tray arrangement 10 is preferably a moldedconstruction. The tray 16 can be molded from common engineeringmaterials including common engineering polymers such as polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene ether (PPE), andpolystyrene (PS), for example.

II. Splice Chip

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the splice chip 18 of the splice tray arrangement10. The splice chip 18 includes a base 44 and a plurality of arms 46.The base 44 has a top side 61 (FIG. 4) and a bottom side 63. Theplurality of arms 46 extend or protect upward from the top side 61 ofthe base 44. Each of the arms 46 has a free end 92 and an opposite end94 formed integral with the base 44. The arms 46 define slots orchannels 52 (FIG. 4) within which the splice elements 14 are placed andheld. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the channels 52 runs parallel to oneanother. In the illustrated embodiment, the splice chip 18 includes sixparallel channels 52.

One feature of the present splice tray arrangement 10 is that splicedensity is increased without having to reduce storage capacity. Inparticular, the splice chip 18 is designed to hold multiple spliceelements 14 within a particular channel or slot 52. In the illustratedembodiment, the arms 46 of the splice chip 18 are configured to holdmultiple splice elements 14 in a stacked relationship. What is meant bystacked relationship is that that elements 14 are located adjacent toone another, for example, in an upper/lower arrangement or aforward/rearward arrangement, depending upon whether the tray 16 isoriented horizontally or vertically.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the arms 46 of the splice chip 18 include aplurality of longer arms 60 arranged in first and second rows of longerarms 62, 64 and a plurality of shorter arms 70 arranged in first andsecond rows of shorter arms 72, 74. The first and second rows of longerarms 62, 64 are inner rows, and the first and second rows of shorterarms 72, 74 are outer rows. A row 54 of dividers 56 is located betweenthe first and second rows of longer arms 62, 64.

The channels 52 of the splice chip 18 are each partially defined by atleast one longer arm 60, at least one shorter arm 70, and one divider54. As shown in FIG. 4, the channels 52 have a height H. The height H isdefined by the longer arms 60 of the plurality of arms 46. Preferably,the height of the channels 52 accommodates receipt of multiple spliceelements 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the height H is at leastabout 0.220 inches to accommodate receipt of two splice elements 14,each having a diameter of about 0.110 inches. The number of spliceelements 14 positionable within one channel 52 is generally determinedby the height of the longer arms 60 of the splice chip 18. The height ofthe longer arms 60 is in turn typically determined by the profile heightof the tray 16. As can be understood, the disclosed principles canaccordingly be applied in a variety of sizes and applications.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the splice chip 18 preferably includesretaining structure 50 for retaining the splice elements 14 within thechannels 52. More preferably, the retaining structure 50 of the splicechip 18 includes first and second retaining structures: a firstretaining structure 76 arranged to retain a splice element 14 in a firstlower region 78 of each channel 52; and a second retaining structure 66arranged to retain a splice element 14 in a second upper region 68 ofeach channel 52. While referred to as upper and lower regions, it willbe appreciated that the regions of the illustrated embodiment of thepresent disclosure need not be limited to upper and lower. Rather, theterms upper and lower are used for explanatory purposes of theillustrated embodiment. The regions may be considered forward orrearward regions depending upon the orientation of the tray, forexample. Further, as discussed above, the height of the longer arms 60can be varied to accommodate more than two splice elements; preferably,additional retaining structure is provided in such an alternativeembodiment to retain a splice element in the additional region of thechannel provided by the increased height of the longer arms.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first retaining structure 76 of thesplice chip 18 includes tabs or heads 80 located at the free ends 92 ofthe shorter arms 70. The heads 80 are constructed and arranged tosnap-fit the splice elements 14 securely within the lower regions 78 ofthe channels 52. The second retaining structure 66 of the splice chip 18also includes tabs or heads 82 located at the free ends 92 of the longerarms 60. The heads 82 are constructed and arranged to snap-fit thesplice elements 14 securely within the upper regions 78 of the channels52. Accordingly, the illustrated splice chip 18, having six channels 52,can hold twelve splice elements 14 when each of the upper and lowerregions 68, 78 of the channels 52 are utilized.

Referring again to FIG. 4, although each of the channels 52 isconfigured to receive multiple splice elements 14, the retainingstructure 50 of the splice chip 18 is configured to snap-fit only onesplice element in a selected one of the lower region 78 and the upperregion 68 if desired. In particular, only the lower region 78 of aparticular channel 52 may contain a splice element 14 secured by thesnap-fit construction of the first retaining structure 76 of a shorterarm 70. Likewise, only the upper region 68 of a particular channel 52may contain a splice element 14 secured by the snap-fit construction ofthe second retaining structure 66 of a longer arm 60. When placed in thelower region 78, the splice element 14 rests upon first and second sideedges 96, 98 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the base 44. In some embodiments, theside edges 96, 98 can include detents or cut-outs 99 (represented bydashed lines in FIG. 4) that cradle the splice elements 14. When placedin the upper region 68, the splice element 14 rests upon the head 80 ofa shorter arm 70.

As can be understood, preferably the arms 46 of the splice chip 18 areflexible to provide the snap-fit retaining feature previously described.The flexible construction of the arms 46, including both the shorterarms 70 and the longer arms 60, can be provided by either or both of thechoice of manufacturing material, or the dimensional construction of thearms. Materials that can be used to manufacture at least the arms 46 ofthe splice chip 18, include common engineering polymers such aspolybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene ether(PPE), and polystyrene (PS), for example.

In use, a splice element 14 is inserted into one of the channels 52 bypressing the splice element 14 downward upon a top ramped surface 39(FIG. 4) of the head 82 of the longer arm 60. The downward force uponthe ramped surface 39 flexes the longer arm 60 outward to accept thesplice element 14 in the upper region 68. The splice element 14 can beretained within this upper region 68 or further inserted into thechannel 52. The splice element 14 is further inserted into the channel52 by pressing the splice element downward upon a top ramped surface 41(FIG. 4) of the head 80 of the shorter arm 70, and flexing the shorterarm 70 outward to accept the splice element 14 in the lower region 78.In contrast to the flexible arms 46, the dividers 56 (FIG. 3) of thesplice chip 18 can be made of a more rigid construction. The dividers56, for example, do not include retaining structure (e.g. 50) andtherefore are not required to flex or function as a snap-fit retainer.

III. Mounting Arrangement

Referring now to FIG. 5, the splice chip 18 of the present disclosuretypically mounts to the bottom surface 24 of the tray 16. The splicetray arrangement 10 includes a mounting arrangement 84 that detachablysecures the splice chip 18 to the bottom surface 24 without the use ofadhesive or additional fasteners. The mounting arrangement 84 includesinterlocking, longitudinal guides 86, 88 disposed on each of the splicechip 18 and tray 16.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the longitudinal guides 86 of the splice chip18 include an integrally formed lip or ledge 90 located at opposite ends19, 21 of the splice chip 18. The ledges 90 extend laterally outwardbeyond the ends of the base 44, and are offset or spaced a distance fromthe bottom side 63 of the base 44. The base 44 includes an angledportion 45 at each of the ends adjacent to the guides 86. Aninterlocking space 47 is provided between each of the guides 86 and theangled portions 45 of the base 44 at the ends 19, 21 of the splice chip18.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the longitudinal guides 88 of the tray 16include ribs or tracks 89 that project outward from the bottom surface24 of the tray. In the illustrated embodiment, the tracks 89 areintegrally formed in the bottom surface 24 of the tray 16. The tracks 89have a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the interlockingspace 47 provided by the splice chip 18. The inverse, cross-sectionconfiguration of the tracks 89 slide within the interlocking spaces 47of the splice chip 18 to secure the splice chip 18 to the bottom surface24 of the tray 16.

When securing the splice chip 18 to the tray 16, the splice chip 18slides in a lateral direction A, as shown in FIG. 5, such that theinterlocking guides 86, 88 of the mounting arrangement 84 engage oneanother. In the alternative, the splice chip 18 can be secured to thetray 16 by sliding the splice chip 18 in an opposite lateral directionB. When the interlocking guides 86, 88 of the mounting arrangement 84are engaged, the splice chip 18 is prevented from movement in adirection transverse to the bottom surface 24 of the tray.

The mounting arrangement 84 of the splice tray arrangement 10 alsoincludes first and second securing tabs 51, 53. In the illustratedembodiment, the securing tabs 51, 53 are integrally formed in the bottomsurface 24 of the tray 16. The securing tabs 51, 53 are preferablyflexible, and each includes a ramped surface 55 and a shoulder surface57.

During assembly of the splice tray arrangement 10, the splice chip 18contacts the ramped surface 55 of the first securing tab 51 as thesplice chip 18 slides in the lateral direction A. In particular, thebase 44 of the splice chip 18 contacts the ramped surface 55 of thefirst securing tab 51 and biases or flexes the securing tab 51 to aposition flush with the bottom surface 24. As the splice chip 18continues to slide, and the interlocking guides 86, 88 of the splicechip 18 and tray 16 engage, the first side edge 96 (FIG. 3) of the base44 contacts the shoulder surface 57 of the second securing tab 53.

The securing tabs 51, 53 are arranged to prevent the splice chip 18 frominadvertent lateral movement beyond a particular chip mounting location(defined between the tracks 89 of the mounting arrangement 84). Inparticular, the first and second securing tabs 51, 53 are arranged suchthat the second securing tab 53 functions as a stop while the firstsecuring tab 51 snaps back in place to engage the second side edge 98 ofthe base 44 of the splice chip (see FIG. 1). The splice chip 18 isthereby contained within the particular chip mounting location by eachof the tracks 89 and the shoulder surface 57 of each of the securingtabs 51, 53. The disclosed splice tray arrangement 10 provides an easyto use mounting arrangement that eliminates the need for adhesives oradditional mounting fasteners. Yet, if desired, the construction of thebase 44 of the splice chip 18 does not preclude use of adhesive orfasteners for mounting the splice chip 18 to the bottom surface 24 ofthe tray 16.

IV. Alternative Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 6, a second embodiment of the splice trayarrangement 110 is illustrated. Similar to the previous embodiment, thesplice tray arrangement 110 is used to house spliced fiber optic cables(e.g., 12 shown in FIG. 1). The splice tray arrangement 110 generallyincludes base or tray 116 and a splice chip 118 for holding or retainingthe splice elements (e.g., 14 shown in FIG. 1).

The splice chip 118 is similar in construction to the splice chip 18previously described with respect to the first embodiment of theinvention. For example, referring to FIGS. 7-9, the splice chip 118includes a base 144 and a plurality of arms 146 extending or protectingupward from a top side 161 (FIG. 9) of the base 144. The arms 146 defineslots or channels 152 (FIG. 9) within which multiple splice elements 114are placed and held.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the arms 146 of the splice chip 118 includea plurality of longer arms 160, a plurality of shorter arms 170, anddividers 156. The channels 152 of the splice chip 118 are each partiallydefined by at least one longer arm 160, at least one shorter arm 170,and one divider 156. As shown in FIG. 9, the channels 152 have a heightH1. The height H1 is defined by the longer arms 160 of the plurality ofarms 146. Preferably, the height accommodates receipt of multiple spliceelements.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the splice chip 118 also includes retainingstructure 150 for retaining the splice elements 114 within the channels152. Similar to the previous embodiment, the retaining structure 150includes a first retaining structure 176, such as tabs or heads 180,arranged to retain a splice element 114 in a first lower region 178 ofeach channel 152. The retaining structure 150 also includes a secondretaining structure 166, such as tabs or heads 182, arranged to retain asplice element 114 in a second upper region 168 of each channel 152.

The second embodiment of the splice tray arrangement 110, however,includes a mounting arrangement 184 that is different than thearrangement 84 of the first embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 6-10, the mounting arrangement 184 includes a collar 123 locatedat an end 121 of the splice chip 118. The collar 123 is configured toreceive a pin or plug 125 (FIG. 6) of the tray 116. In the illustratedembodiment, the plug 125 includes flexible portions 127 that flex inwardtoward one another to accept annular placement of the collar 123 aboutthe plug 125. As can be understood, the collar 123 snap-fits onto theplug 125 and is retained by a plug cap 133. Referring now to FIG. 10,the splice chip further including guide pins 129 extending outward froma bottom side 163 of the base 144 of the splice chip 118. The guide pins129 are received within holes 131 (FIG. 6) formed in tray 116. The guidepins 129 assist in properly aligning the splice chip in relation to thetray, and also prevent rotation of the splice chip 118 about the plug125.

The overall arrangement and construction of the disclosed splice trayarrangements 10, 110 enhances cable management by providing a splicechip design that is easy to use (e.g. the splice elements simply snapinto a secured location) and increases splice element capacity. Theabove specification provides a complete description of the invention.Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention, certain aspects of theinvention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A splice chip, comprising: a) a base having sides and a centerlocated between the sides; b) first and second inner rows of arms thatextend from the base, the inner rows of arms being located proximate thecenter of the base; and c) first and second outer rows of arms thatextend from the base, the outer rows of arms being located proximate thesides of the base; d) wherein the inner and outer rows of arms definechannels, each channel having first and second regions aligned with oneanother such that a splice element passes through the second region forselective placement in the first region; e) wherein one of the first andsecond inner rows and the first and second outer rows has longer armsthan the other of the first and second rows.
 2. The splice chip of claim1, wherein the first and second inner rows has longer arms than thefirst and second outer rows.
 3. The splice chip of claim 1, wherein eachof the arms of the inner and outer rows includes retaining structure tosecure a splice element within a selected one of the first and secondregions of the channel without requiring the presence of an additionalsplice element in the other of the first and second regions.
 4. Thesplice chip of claim 3, wherein the retaining structure of only theouter rows of arms secures a splice element within the first region. 5.The splice chip of claim 3, wherein the retaining structure of the armsof the inner and outer rows secures the splice element in a snap-fitmanner.
 6. The splice chip of claim 3, wherein the retaining structureincludes tabs located at a free end of each of the arms.
 7. The splicechip of claim 1, further including dividers located between the firstand second inner rows of arms.
 8. The splice chip of claim 1, furtherincluding longitudinal guides for mounting the splice chip to a splicetray, the longitudinal guides extending outward beyond first and secondends of the base.
 9. The splice chip of claim 1, further including guidepins extending outward from a bottom surface of the base.
 10. The splicechip of claim 1, wherein a splice element selectively secured within thesecond region rests upon free ends of the arms of the first and secondouter rows of arms.
 11. A splice chip, comprising: a) a base havingsides and a center located between the sides; b) first and second innerrows of arms that extend from the base, the inner rows of arms beinglocated proximate the center of the base; c) first and second outer rowsof arms that extend from the base, the outer rows of arms being locatedproximate the sides of the base; and d) dividers located between thefirst and second inner rows of arms; e) wherein the inner and outer rowsof arms define channels, each channel having first and second regionsaligned with one another such that a splice element passes through thesecond region for selective placement in the first region.
 12. Thesplice chip of claim 11, wherein the first and second inner rows haslonger arms than the first and second outer rows.
 13. The splice chip ofclaim 11, wherein each of the arms of the inner and outer rows includesretaining structure to secure a splice element within a selected one ofthe first and second regions of the channel without requiring thepresence of an additional splice element in the other of the first andsecond regions.
 14. The splice chip of claim 13, wherein the retainingstructure of only the outer rows of arms secures a splice element withinthe first region.
 15. The splice chip of claim 13, wherein the retainingstructure of the arms of the inner and outer rows secures the spliceelement in a snap-fit manner.
 16. The splice chip of claim 13, whereinthe retaining structure includes tabs located at a free end of each ofthe arms.
 17. The splice chip of claim 11, further includinglongitudinal guides for mounting the splice chip to a splice tray, thelongitudinal guides extending outward beyond first and second ends ofthe base.
 18. The splice chip of claim 11, further including guide pinsextending outward from a bottom surface of the base.
 19. The splice chipof claim 11, wherein a splice element selectively secured within thesecond region rests upon free ends of the arms of the first and secondouter rows of arms.
 20. A splice chip, comprising: a) a base havingsides and a center located between the sides; b) first and second innerrows of arms that extend from the base, the inner rows of arms beinglocated proximate the center of the base; and c) first and second outerrows of arms that extend from the base, the outer rows of arms beinglocated proximate the sides of the base; d) wherein the inner and outerrows of arms define channels, each channel having first and secondregions aligned with one another such that a splice element passesthrough the second region for selective placement in the first region;e) wherein a splice element selectively secured within the second regionrests upon free ends of the arms of the first and second outer rows ofarms.
 21. The splice chip of claim 20, wherein the first and secondinner rows has longer arms than the first and second outer rows.
 22. Thesplice chip of claim 20, wherein each of the arms of the inner and outerrows includes retaining structure to secure a splice element within aselected one of the first and second regions of the channel withoutrequiring the presence of an additional splice element in the other ofthe first and second regions.
 23. The splice chip of claim 22, whereinthe retaining structure of only the outer rows of arms secures a spliceelement within the first region.
 24. The splice chip of claim 22,wherein the retaining structure of the arms of the inner and outer rowssecures the splice element in a snap-fit manner.
 25. The splice chip ofclaim 22, wherein the retaining structure includes tabs located at afree end of each of the arms.
 26. The splice chip of claim 20, furtherincluding longitudinal guides for mounting the splice chip to a splicetray, the longitudinal guides extending outward beyond first and secondends of the base.
 27. The splice chip of claim 20, further includingguide pins extending outward from a bottom surface of the base.